CT News January 2024

January 2024

Dear praying family!

Please see our pictorial report here! 

We give thanks to the Lord for each of you for having accompanied us faithfully through your loving prayers and generous fellowship all along. Recently, as we reported our news, many have asked and generously stood with us as we continue to navigate through the complicated case regarding Hogar de Esperanza’s land dispute. To bring you up to speed, the investment we made to present our case to the authorities has paid off. Having completed all preliminary investigations and having considered our claims, this part of our case is going to trial. We made all attempts not to go to court requesting our neighbor to have a sensible resolution, but he persists on his claim and more. Now, the part of the case regarding his brutal and violent attack on our board members is still under review. Though at first, we considered foul play when the original DA that received our demands opted to recuse herself, her subsequent report admits that we have ample evidence to proceed to trial. Our local justice system is still waiting to assign this part of the case to a new DA and with that the admission to go to trial.

For now, our neighbor ceased building his wall on the part of the land we know is ours. But a new development occurred. Three weeks ago, one of his trailers carrying a heavy load of minerals hit the wall at the entrance to the orphanage property and brought it down. Suspiciously his workers came eager to rebuild it right away. After some quick thinking, we decided not to let them. Knowing his tactic, he could easily claim that he is acting because it is his property. We no longer feel like giving him the benefit of the doubt. We keep trusting the Lord for all that’s still pending!

The highlight of our month of ministry was the successful completion of the 49^th edition of the yearly bible training in the local assembly. Prior to the two-week intensive, there were heavy hours of preparation and planning. Two young couples worked tirelessly in sync with the elders to present a revamped program targeted to revive the local body’s desire to commit to a more in-depth study of God’s Word. We were only partially successful in this effort as we had a better reception from assemblies in the region than our own. Eleven assemblies sent their students, most of them a blend of saints already serving in some ministry and others aspiring to serve. As usual, our local folks waited till the last minute to sign up. The organizers decided that in order to have a more effective teacher-student experience and a better grasp of the materials, the classroom capacity would be limited to 16 students per class. As we kicked off the event, we had a long waiting list hoping that we’d reconsider our policy. Many regretted not signing up ahead of time.

As usual, in our gallery of pictures you will find plenty more information about our month-long activities and many more items to pray about.

Coming up

-       February 11, speaking on the conclusion of Acts.

-       February 12-16, Vacation Bible School. A great number of the saints, including our children, are being mobilized to present an evangelistic production targeting 100 kids and their families.

-       February 16, conducting a renewal of vows for a couple celebrating their 42^nd anniversary. Their real intention is the opportunity to present the Gospel to all the unbelievers in their family.

-       February 17, after many silent years we are resuming the couple’s ministry in the assembly.

-       February 20, resuming our weekly home bible study.

-       February 21, thankful for another birthday for Pablo.

Prayer & Praise

-       Thank the Lord for starting a new year feeling in great shape and with plenty to do in ministry. Pablo’s meniscus procedure left him almost as good as new and doesn’t seem to have any setbacks. He is eager to get back to running and playing soccer, but first he needs to complete 15 sessions of PT.

-       We praise the Lord for keeping us safe in what has been called one of the most violent cities in Peru. Our governor is requesting the presence of the national guard to deal head on with the wave of extortion in recent months. This is a big problem all over the nation, and the evidence shows that the laxed immigration rules have only exacerbated it.

-       Thank the Lord for giving us a home to welcome and enjoy fellowship with His saints. January allowed us to have former colleagues Steve and Lisa and their son Nate with us. We all enjoyed this time to reminisce old days together and our children to keep their connection with Nate afresh.

-       Pray for the Lord’s leading on what to feed the local assembly as we complete teaching through the book of Acts at the end of February.

With love and gratitude in His name!

Pablo & Sarah CT